Sign in the window of Horsfall’s Lansing (Iowa) Variety. Photographed in July 2013.
THERE ARE DAYS when I’d like to share exactly what’s on my mind. I’d spew: “Go fly a kite!”
And some days I’d like to fly a kite—to stand on the edge of a stubbled alfalfa field, ball of string gripped in one hand, kite in the other. I’d run like the wind (although I’ve always wondered how the wind runs) with kite held high until the breeze catches and carries her upward.
I’d stop then, plant my feet upon the earth, feel the tug of wind on cotton cord as the kite dips and soars high above me in frenzied flight.
Ah, to be so free and fearless, unencumbered by the weight of misspoken and unspoken words.
© Copyright 2014 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
Great sign; especially with the under-stated “we sell.” I can remember being a weee lad and flying a kite so high out in a field that I couldn’t reel it back in. I was in awe of how far up it was and then a bit sad that I wouldn’t get it back as the cord broke. I eventually found comfort in the fact that there would be more kites to be had – they would make more.
Glad you noticed the “we sell” because it truly is understated. I have fond memories of my maternal grandfather opening the trunk of his Studebaker to reveal kites inside. Do kids still fly kites?
Good question. I haven’t noticed any.
Maybe I ought to purchase a kite and fly it. Perhaps there’s one buried in the basement from the days of flying kites with my kids.
We always got a new kite for Easter, plenty of country to fly kites back when I was a child. We had to take our kids to the parks to fly kites…too many trees and houses around here.
That’s a great idea for an Easter gift.
Like you, Randy and I had to take our kids to a park or school playground, too, to fly a kite.
Is there any other place like Horsfalls??? Anyhow…..kite flying in some parts is taken to a high level with gorgeous kites that are works of (Japanese) art!! On some of our treks to the East Coast we would see some flown along the beaches……..wide expanses of breezy geography……perfect!!! Delightful post (with a touch of nostalgia!!)….
There’s a place in Waterville similar to Horsfalls, but Horsfalls is definitely a better shopping experience. One of these days I’ll get around to showcasing photos from our trip to Iowa last summer. Maybe give readers some vacation/day trip ideas for this summer.
🙂
Grandmother Bev was great in making sure every grandkid had a kite on Easter and it did not matter if you were no longer a kid either – my husband received kites into his late-20’s – ha! I have not flown a kite in years. However, I am sure I have used something similar to “Go Fly A Kite” lately. Happy Tuesday:)
I love your grandma Bev already.
Sometimes it’s OK to say, “Go fly a kite!” or something comparable. That can sometimes solve issues and be empowering.
We miss her a lot – I think of her when I see kites or Cardinals (the red bird kind). Very Empowering Indeed!
It’s wonderful that you have to tangible “things” that you connect with your grandma. Cardinals I assume because she loved the bird?
I grew up in Wellington in NZ where it was a really windy city. We’d do a lot of kite flying. It always reminds me of Mary Poppins xx
So perhaps it’s time to fly a kite again?